L398 Tiger Pleco (Panaqoulos Tankei)

Hello,
I'm wondering if anyone has experience with the L398 Tiger Pleco. I'm kinda having a hard time trying to figure out what foods he likes as he almost never leaves the driftwood. I've tried Cucumbers, Sweet Potatoes, Kale, Algae Wafers and Catfish Pellets. It's possible he may have eaten some of the Algae wafers but I'm not sure because my Serpae Tetras attack any food that goes in the tank except the vegetables so it's hard to tell if the Pleco is actually eating being so nocturnal. Any suggestions?

 

planetcatfish is the best place to read up on pleco diet for L398:
https://www.planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?species_id=1848
--
"This genus feeds on wood, and should have several pieces, preferably several kinds of wood to chew on. Aside from wood, a mainly vegetarian diet is recommended, prepared food such as algae wafers and fresh vegetables, such as courgette (zucchini) and tubers such as potato or sweet potato (yams)."

 

I've tried them all and have pretty much tried everything websites recommend. I was hoping someone here may have had one that have maybe tried something different that they like. I admit I could be a little on the paranoid side and he could have been eating some of the algae wafers but its hard to tell because my Serpae Tertras will scavenge the bottom of the tank for left overs. I was just reading about the Sera Catfish Chips that are specifically for wood eaters, I will probaly give those a shot to see how they workout.

 

A lot of pleco esp when you first get them are nocturnal and you just have to hope. I have an l333 (different species) that never comes out during the day unless he is very very hungry - usually he will dash out of his cave during feed time grab a pellet and take it back into the cave. It took me months to get my l204 (very similar diet as your pleco) to come out to eat zuc which they love. What you can try is to put food in after the light goes out and come back now and then and check with a very low power flash light or small lamp. He likely comes out at night. My l204 will come out during the day but if they see me looking at them they run and hide.

 

I was really close to getting the L333, L066 and L397 but decided on the L398 because he was bigger (3") than the others that were available. I had a tiny clown pleco (1.5") in my other tank that my Black Skirt Tetras nipped on and he died so I didn't want to get another less than 3 inches. I've never had any issues with the Serpae and Glofish Tetras in my other tank but I didn't want to take any chances.

 

Good luck. My clown stays hidden most of the time but at least I know where he hides and again if hungry he will come out even during the day to feed. I've had him for about 3 years.

 

Thank you, How big is your Clown and how long did he take to grow full size?

 

I think it took less than a year; but not how old it was a purchase so hard to tell. Mine is a small 3 inches. Not very large.

 

You could try Repashy Morning Wood as well.

 

I think it took less than a year; but not how old it was a purchase so hard to tell. Mine is a small 3 inches. Not very large.

Oh ok, thanks. Sorry for all the questions but I'm pretty new as an aquarium owner.

You could try Repashy Morning Wood as well.

I was just looking at that also I think I'll go ahead and order some. Thanks